Here’s a gift idea for your loved ones that provides great peace of mind.

You’ve probably heard the term "advanced directives." They are legal documents which spell out one’s wishes for end of life care. They are important to have at any stage of life because we never know when the end of life will be near, whether through terminal illness, a sudden heart attack or stroke, or even an accident.

Most of us believe that when the time comes, we don’t want to be in pain, suffer through death, or be a burden to our loved ones. Putting together advanced directives may prevent those things from happening.

A health care proxy is a directive which designates who can make treatment decisions on your behalf should you be unconscious or otherwise be unable to speak for yourself. You choose your decision-maker – a spouse, child or another person you know will act according to your wishes.

A DNR is a do-not-resuscitate order. It is an optional component of a living will.

A living will is a document which tells your decision-maker and healthcare providers what your end of life choices are. Do you want to be kept alive on a breathing machine or revived if your heart stops? These are momentous decisions that weigh heavily on those who may be forced to make them on your behalf. A legal document which spells out your choices makes those decisions less onerous.

Just as important as preparing legally recognized documents, is having a discussion with your loved ones, especially the decision-maker you designate in your proxy. Help them understand what choices are important to you and why, so there will be no question of what you would wish if the time ever comes when it is necessary.

Every state in the US recognizes different forms of advanced directives. If you spend time in more than one state, you will need different legal documents for each. In some cases, a lawyer is required. In others, the signatures of two witnesses are the only requirement. For a state-by-state list of requirements with links to the right forms, link here.

This holiday season, consider discussing your end of life wishes with your loved ones. Then back them up with the necessary legal documents. It’s a priceless gift that may make a world of difference someday.

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